- Exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is strongly linked to developing MS.
- Two new trials—STOP-MS and FIRMS-EBV—will test whether existing antiviral medications against EBV can help slow MS or reduce symptoms like fatigue.
- Australians can register their interest and check eligibility now through MS Trial Screen.
For decades, researchers have known that infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) significantly increases the risk of developing MS. While the rate of EBV infection is around 90% of adults globally, it is almost universal in people with MS. A groundbreaking 2022 study monitoring 10 million US military personnel confirmed that MS only developed in those who had tested positive for previous EBV exposure. While this doesn’t prove EBV causes MS, it shows a very strong connection.
Based on years of research, it is now thought that infection with EBV may trigger the immune system’s attack on the brain and spinal cord that kicks off the MS disease process. We also think that EBV may continue to drive this MS disease process once it has started. This new understanding has prompted researchers to see whether targeting EBV may have a beneficial effect on MS.
Two new clinical trials in Australia will now test whether antiviral drugs that target EBV could slow down or improve MS related symptoms.
What are antiviral drugs and why use them for MS?
Antiviral drugs are used to treat viral infections. While antivirals do not completely remove EBV from the body, they can stop EBV from multiplying – reducing the viral load in the body. If EBV is helping to drive MS symptoms, then reducing the virus might help control the disease.
For these new clinical trials, instead of developing brand new drugs, a process that takes years to complete, researchers will be using existing antiviral medications that are already approved in Australia to treat other conditions. This approach is called “repurposing” and can help bring effective treatments to people faster and more safely.
Trial 1: STOP-MS – Slowing MS progression
The STOP-MS clinical trial is for people with progressive MS, the form of MS where symptoms slowly get worse over time. Current therapies for this type of MS have limited effect on the rate of progression, so new treatments are urgently needed. STOP-MS is funded by the Australian Government through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), and is supported by MS Australia through our Australian MS Clinical Trials Platform.
STOP-MS will test whether antiviral drugs can slow down disability progression in people with progressive MS. It will be done in two stages:
- Stage 1: aims to find out which antiviral drug is best at reducing EBV activity in the body.
- Stage 2: will test whether that drug also helps slow MS progression.
STOP-MS has officially begun recruitment within Australia, with Gold Coast University Hospital acting as the first clinical trial site.
Trial 2: FIRMS-EBV – Tackling fatigue
The FIRMS-EBV clinical trial is focused on the treatment of fatigue, one of the most common and challenging symptoms of MS. Fatigue affects up to 80% of people with MS and can make daily life extremely difficult.
A growing body of evidence suggests that chronic EBV infection of immune cells known as B cells might be linked to chronic symptoms in MS, such as fatigue.
FIRMS-EBV will test medications that have been shown to be effective in target “active” EBV infection (also known as the “lytic” phase), with the hope that this function as a treatment for fatigue. If successful, the results of this study could revolutionise treatment of this widespread MS symptom.
Like STOP-MS, FIRMS-EBV is funded by the MRFF and supported by MS Australia through our Australian MS Clinical Trials Platform. Recruitment for FIRMS-EBV is expected to begin mid-2025.
Driven by Lived Experience
These trials were created with direct input from people living with MS, who worked alongside researchers to choose which drugs to test and help shape the trial design. This partnership ensures that the treatments being tested reflect the real needs and priorities of people with MS.
As research into EBV and MS continues, these Australian trials mark a big step forward. Whether it’s slowing the disease or improving everyday symptoms like fatigue, targeting EBV could offer new hope and better quality of life for people living with MS.
Interested in taking part?
You can register your interest in participating in either of these trials and see if you might be eligible by completing a short survey via MS Trial Screen:
👉 Click here to complete the eligibility survey
Trial sites will be set up in all Australian states.
After completing the survey, you’ll be contacted if a trial site near you is recruiting and if you meet the eligibility criteria for either study.
